Dental & Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common — and preventable — chronic conditions in adult dogs.
What is Dental & Periodontal Disease?
By age 3, more than 80% of dogs have some periodontal disease. Untreated dental disease is painful, causes tooth loss, and drives chronic inflammation that stresses the heart, kidneys, and liver. Good home care combined with periodic professional cleaning under anaesthesia can add years of comfortable life.
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow-brown tartar at the gum line
- Dropping food, chewing on one side
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose or missing teeth
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Small breeds (crowded teeth)
- Brachycephalic breeds
- Senior dogs
- Dogs fed only soft food
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: annual dental exams for all adult dogs; sooner if you notice signs. VOHC-accepted chews and daily brushing are the most effective home tools.
- Seek urgent care if: facial swelling below an eye (tooth root abscess), severe oral bleeding, or refusal to eat.
Diagnosis and management
Professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia — with full-mouth X-rays — is the only reliable way to clean below the gum line and identify hidden problems. Home care includes daily brushing with dog-safe toothpaste, VOHC-accepted chews, and dental diets.